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HB2256Introduced in the House

Relating To Tobacco Enforcement.

IntroducedHouse Finance

Introduced by Nadine Nakamura, District 15

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

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Official description

Clarifies that untaxed tobacco products are subject to forfeiture as contraband, without regard to the procedures set forth in Hawaii's asset forfeiture law in the same manner as untaxed cigarettes. Confirms the authority of the Department of Taxation and the Department of the Attorney General to inspect and seize tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Where it stands

Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).

February 18, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.

What do people think?

Citizen Voice

How would you vote on this bill?

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Bill history

  1. Pending introduction.

  2. Introduced and Pass First Reading.

  3. Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 5

  4. Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Thursday, 02-12-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.

  5. The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Cochran, Hashem, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti.

  6. Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 466-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.

  7. Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).

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